Peter Stanton is the Chief Executive Officer of the Walker Basin Conservancy, where he spearheads transformative efforts to restore Walker Lake and revitalize the Walker River watershed in Nevada and California. Under Peter’s leadership, the Conservancy has established
itself as a national model for environmental water management, overseeing one of North America’s largest freshwater acquisition programs for environmental benefit.

Peter has successfully navigated complex water rights negotiations, legal strategies, and policy advocacy, securing enduring protections for environmental flows. His work has driven legislative and policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels, earning recognition for fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, policymakers, and community leaders.

Since joining the Conservancy, Peter has guided its growth to manage 28,000 acre-feet of water annually, retire thousands of acres of farmland for ecological restoration, and create public access to Walker River and produce over 500,000 seedlings annually.

His recent work has been featured in national outlets such as The Washington Post, and he frequently lectures at institutions like Yale School of the Environment, UC Davis School of Law, and the University of Nevada, empowering the next generation of conservation leaders Peter’s expertise extends to nonprofit leadership and innovative fundraising strategies, which have been highlighted at the national level through PBS and partner organizations. He has presented nationally on fundraising approaches that drive meaningful impact, sharing insights that have inspired others in the nonprofit sector.

A dedicated advocate for building resilient communities through philanthropy and conservation, Peter’s career has been defined by a commitment to solving complex challenges with innovative solutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Peter is an avid backcountry skier, trail runner, and ultramarathoner, passionate about conserving the landscapes that bring joy to so many.

Peter Stanton

Environment & Sustainability

Philanthropic Advisory Council (PAC)

Peter Stanton

Peter Stanton is the Chief Executive Officer of the Walker Basin Conservancy, where he spearheads transformative efforts to restore Walker Lake and revitalize the Walker River watershed in Nevada and California. Under Peter’s leadership, the Conservancy has established
itself as a national model for environmental water management, overseeing one of North America’s largest freshwater acquisition programs for environmental benefit.

Peter has successfully navigated complex water rights negotiations, legal strategies, and policy advocacy, securing enduring protections for environmental flows. His work has driven legislative and policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels, earning recognition for fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, policymakers, and community leaders.

Since joining the Conservancy, Peter has guided its growth to manage 28,000 acre-feet of water annually, retire thousands of acres of farmland for ecological restoration, and create public access to Walker River and produce over 500,000 seedlings annually.

His recent work has been featured in national outlets such as The Washington Post, and he frequently lectures at institutions like Yale School of the Environment, UC Davis School of Law, and the University of Nevada, empowering the next generation of conservation leaders Peter’s expertise extends to nonprofit leadership and innovative fundraising strategies, which have been highlighted at the national level through PBS and partner organizations. He has presented nationally on fundraising approaches that drive meaningful impact, sharing insights that have inspired others in the nonprofit sector.

A dedicated advocate for building resilient communities through philanthropy and conservation, Peter’s career has been defined by a commitment to solving complex challenges with innovative solutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Peter is an avid backcountry skier, trail runner, and ultramarathoner, passionate about conserving the landscapes that bring joy to so many.